Ayub Savula slams Gachagua for failing to attend Raila’s burial
By Luke Oluoch, October 20, 2025Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has earned the ire of Kakamega Deputy Governor, Ayub Savula, for his no-show at Raila Odinga’s funeral in Bondo, on Sunday, October 19, 2025..
Speaking at the Mashujaa Day celebrations on Monday, October 20, 2025, Savula accused Gachagua of harbouring bitter indignation towards Raila after he failed to condole with the former ODM leader.
Bitter Gachagua
Savula emphasised that the Democracy For Citizens Party (DCP) leader ought to have at least sent a message of condolences or sent an emissary to express his condolences.
“We cannot be bitter towards each other even in the face of tragedy. Even if you are bitter, Raila cannot die, and you fail to come to sign the condolences book. Which kind of anger is that? When your neighbour dies, the only act you can undertake is to accord him your final respect,” he said.
He bemoaned that the former DP could not even use his deputy leader to convey his tributes.
“He could not even send his deputy leader, Malala, to condole Raila,”he stated.
Kiambu senator’s defense
His remarks come after Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa vehemently defended the DCP leader absence from Odinga’s state funeral at Nyayo Stadium.
In a statement released on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Karungo said Gachagua’s decision to skip the national farewell was deliberate and guided by emotional intelligence and statesmanship.
“Kenya does not stop when Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua chooses silence; it listens even more closely,” the senator wrote. He added that Gachagua’s absence should not be mistaken for indifference or fear, but for maturity and a deep understanding of the moment.
“His absence from Baba’s farewell was not an act of defiance, weakness, or guilt. It was a deliberate show of statesmanship, emotional intelligence, and deep respect for a moment that was bigger than politics.”
Karungo described the former Deputy President as one of the most influential leaders in the country. He said Gachagua understood that his presence at the funeral could have shifted attention away from Raila’s legacy and turned the day into a political spectacle.
“The day was not about politics, alliances, or rivalries. It was about Kenya coming together to honour a towering figure in our history,” Karungo stated.
According to the senator, Gachagua chose to step back so that the spotlight could remain on Raila’s life, sacrifice, and contribution to the nation.
He further revealed that Gachagua plans to honour Raila in a personal way by laying a wreath at his resting place in Bondo.